Norfolk Beaches & Broads with Oli & Ayshea

 Norfolk Beaches & Broads

Southwold awaited with its iconic pier, where we enjoyed a refreshing seaside walk.  Souvenirs were picked up, and naturally, ice cream was a must! 

The quirky arcade provided plenty of fun with distorting mirrors and nostalgic games, evoking laughter and joyful moments.

Energized, we set off to Mutford Lock at Oulton Broad, the gateway for our river tour. Our skipper, a wealth of knowledge and warmth, shared intriguing tales of the Broads’ history and wildlife. We spotted a majestic heron’s nest tucked high in the reeds, and Terry, ever prepared with his binoculars, delighted in close views of swans gracefully gliding, dabbling ducks, and honking Canadian geese. The boat glided smoothly along sunlit waters, the gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of reeds and fresh water. 

Today we visited Africa Alive!, a captivating wildlife park set in the rolling Suffolk countryside. Arriving early, we were among the first to explore, maps in hand, eager to encounter the exotic inhabitants. We marvelled at zebras with their striking stripes, giraffes gracefully nibbling leaves from tall trees, and a cheeky black rhino who playfully chased a giraffe, likely over a shared snack—an unforgettable photo opportunity! Wandering further, we passed through a lemur walk-through enclosure, where curious creatures leapt nimbly between branches. 

Tortoises ambled slowly near the paths, while lions lounged lazily in the sun, a reminder of their impressive 20-hour daily nap schedule. The meerkats stole the show, with one standing tall while others playfully scurried about—a scene both adorable and fascinating. 

A fascinating day was spent at Bressingham Steam Museum, where nostalgia greeted us with the hiss and chug of steam trains and the merry tunes of a carousel playing catchy hits like ABBA and “YMCA.” Our first ride was on George, a charming Welsh engine. Later, a smaller carriage took us through immaculate gardens bursting with vibrant flowers and lush lawns—a gardener’s paradise. Exploring the museum sheds, we climbed aboard vintage engines including the majestic Black Prince and peeked inside the royal carriage once used by a king and queen, complete with an ornate private bath. 

The Dad’s Army exhibition delighted fans with memorabilia from the iconic TV show, and some of us even donned costumes and played piano tunes, sparking lots of laughter. Terry’s excitement peaked at the live steam railway model display, featuring a charming Thomas the Tank Engine setup. 

     A classic seaside ice cream, complete with a Flake, was an irresistible treat.

A thrilling change of pace: banger racing at Yarmouth Stadium. We were lucky to have prime seats with clear views of the track. The races ranged from junior drivers to ladies heats, full of fast-paced excitement and a few spectacular crashes—fortunately, no injuries. Each of us cheered on a chosen car, though luck was not on our side for winners.